Recalling 'godman' Rampal Maharaj's arrest in 2014

Haryana Court on Thursday deferred its verdict on two criminal cases slapped against self-styled 'godman' Satguru Rampal till 29 August in view of the verdict in a rape case against Gurmeet Ram Rahi

The Special CBI court has convicted Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in two rape cases and sentenced 20 years of imprisonment. In fact, ahead of CBI court's verdict, a Haryna court had deferred verdict on two criminal cases slapped against another controversial self-styled 'godman' Satguru Rampal till 29 August in view of the maw and order situation in the state.

Do you remember who is 'godman Rampal' and his dramatic arrest in 2014?

In 2014, situation turned ugly when police went to arrest self-styled 'godman' Satguru Rampal Maharaj's of Satlok Ashram in Hisar.

The 'godman' Rampal was to appear before the High Court but he did not do so, with his counsel saying he was "unwell". Then the High Court issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against him and asked the authorities to present him.

Literally, Haryana police had to run an 'operation' to nab the Godman from his ashram.

What happened during the 'operation'?

At least six persons, five women and an infant, lost their lives in the stand-off as Rampal eluded the police, while many of his key aides and around 450 supporters were also arrested. The sect followers fired at police, lobbed petrol bombs and acid pouches, besides hurling stones and bricks outside the ashram, clearly indicating the sect was well prepared to resist the security forces.

Finally, he was arrested on November 19, 2014 after a two-week tense standoff between his supporters and the police after close to 15,000 of his followers were evacuated from the sprawling premises.

Cost of the 'operation'

According to reports, the operation cost Haryana government Rs 15.43 crore on locating and arresting Rampal, Punjab spent Rs 4.34 crore, Chandigarh administration spent Rs 3.29 crore and Rs 3.55 crore spent by Union of India , totaling Rs 26.61 crore.